As we celebrate Labour Day, or May Day, every year, it is the perfect opportunity to honour the contributions of the working class to society. And what better way to do so than through the beauty of poetry? In this article, we will explore some of the best English poems that commemorate the spirit of Labour Day.
1. "The Cry of the Children" by Elizabeth Barrett Browning
This stirring poem by Elizabeth Barrett Browning was written in response to the harsh working conditions of child labour in Victorian England. The poem speaks directly to the children, who are robbed of their childhood and forced to work in factories:
"O, ye wheels, stop! be silent for to-day,Disturb not the peace of the dead, --Away, with your cobweb'd gear, away!There's blood on your hands, and your hearts are red."
This poem serves as a reminder that workers of all ages deserve fair treatment and respect.
2. "The Song of the Wage-Slave" by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Ella Wheeler Wilcox's poem "The Song of the Wage-Slave" is a powerful critique of the capitalist system in which workers are exploited for their labour:
"We toil and we spin, and we strain and strive,Yet never a day for ourselves alive;We toil and we spin, and we sweat and we slave,And what is the guerdon – a crust and a grave!"
The poem is a call to action, urging workers to unite and fight for their rights.
3. "A Man Said to the Universe" by Stephen Crane
Stephen Crane's "A Man Said to the Universe" is a meditation on the insignificance of individual human existence in the face of the vast and uncaring universe. The poem can be read as a commentary on the struggles of the working class:
"A man said to the universe:'Sir I exist!''However,' replied the universe,'The fact has not created in meA sense of obligation.'"
The poem is a sobering reminder that workers must fight for their rights, as they cannot rely on the goodwill of those in power.
4. "The Factory" by Sara Teasdale
Sara Teasdale's "The Factory" is a haunting portrayal of the bleakness and isolation of industrial labour:
"I worked all day, and late into the night,Stitching and stitching by the pale lamplight;The harsh threads bit into my skin and my soul,And the machines roared on, out of my control."
The poem is a reminder that workers are not cogs in a machine, but human beings who deserve dignity and respect.
5. "Once Upon a Time" by Gabriel Okara
Gabriel Okara's "Once Upon a Time" is a powerful indictment of the dehumanizing nature of modern work:
"The man smiles as the paper burnsShowing that they got his will.He walks tall, homeward boundThe smoke, his insignia of freedom,Rising into the sky."
The poem is a call to workers to resist the soul-killing drudgery of modern labour and fight for a better world.
In conclusion, English poetry has a long and rich tradition of celebrating the spirit of Labour Day and honouring the contributions of the working class. These poems serve as a reminder that workers are not just machines, but human beings who deserve dignity, respect, and fair treatment. May we continue to honour their contributions and fight for their rights.
发布评论